Tag: Player Analysis

Marco Rose – Borussia Dortmund – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Managers, Team Analysis

Four months on from Rose's first match in charge of the Black & Yellows, BVB continue to find their feet. They've already been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League, and recently failed to capitalize on a crucial chance to go top of the table ahead of Bayern Munich. For Dortmund fans, there can only be so much optimism that the club remain in second place, yet again. Sooner or later, they are going to have to start putting up a genuine challenge for the title again. If not, Marco Rose will end up just being another in a long line of Dortmund failures. So with that, we take an in-depth look at how Marco Rose's Borussia Dortmund have performed in 2021-22, and what needs to change if the Black & Yellows are to challenge for the title.

Fred – Manchester United – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Defensive Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League

Since arriving at Manchester United in the summer of 2018, Fred has been under a microscope with each and every passing minute. Every action he takes on a football pitch seems to be scrutinized by those trying to justify his shortcomings, or those, like me, trying to justify why those shortcomings aren't actually so short. In recent weeks, the calls for Fred to be crowned one of United's most important players have only grown, as he performs a more attack-minded role within the team's double-pivot. So today, I present to you a dossier all about Manchester United's Fred, and why Manchester United would be worse without him.

Andre Silva set to carry on where Timo Werner left off at RB Leipzig – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in German Bundesliga, Player Analysis, Striker, Subscriber Exclusives

After a roller coaster ride of a career, Andre Silva has made a move to what is probably his biggest club yet in relative Bundesliga newcomers RB Leipzig. The Portuguese striker scored a remarkable 28 goals in 32 appearances last season, breaking Frankfurt’s club record for most goals in a single season. Leipzig fans will be hoping Silva carries over that kind of form to his new club, and finishes where Timo Werner left off two seasons ago. But now under the influence of Jesse Marsch, how will Andre Silva fit in?

From battling Championship relegation to Champions League winner: The extraordinary rise of Reece James

by TMS Staff, posted in Premier League, UEFA Champions League, World Football

There were moments during Chelsea's Champions League final win when you couldn't quite believe how well Reece James was coping with the pressure of the occasion. Of course, even before kick-off in Porto, everyone knew how much quality the Redbridge-born right-back possessed, but his performance over the course of 90 minutes was genuinely enough to take your breath away. Indeed, that sharp intake of breath when City found space around the box was replaced by a sigh of relief after James almost single-handedly thwarted every attack. 

Leicester, Leipzig and Southampton – Finding the best fit for Matheus Pereira

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Player Analysis, Winger

This past weekend, West Bromwich Albion were relegated from England's top flight. The team lacked the quality to survive, and even despite Sam Allardyce turning them into a well-functioning team, they couldn't make up the necessary ground to stay in the division. But if there was one shining light in the otherwise unremarkable season for the Baggies, it would have to be their star attacking midfielder - Matheus Pereira.

Why Denis Zakaria should be on every top club’s radar – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Defensive Midfield, German Bundesliga, Player Analysis

Two seasons ago, Denis Zakaria was heavily linked to Manchester City, and hailed by pundits and fans alike as the next coming of Fernandinho. The Swiss midfielder still possesses all of the same qualities he did back when the speculation first surfaced, yet no one seems to talk about Zakaria in that same light anymore. Still only 24-years-old, Zakaria still has the world at his feet and should develop into one of the very best defensive midfielders in the world. If Manchester City had him on their radar, every other club should too.

Mahmoud Dahoud’s Revival at Borussia Dortmund – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, German Bundesliga, Player Analysis

After moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2017, Mahmoud Dahoud failed to establish himself at the club season after season. At the time of his arrival, the German international was considered one of the very best midfielders in the Bundesliga, and Dortmund's €12million signing of the Syrian-born superstar was seen as an absolute coup. An obvious baller and astute passer, Dahoud lacked the engine and defensive fervidity that Dortmund desired in his early years at the club and couldn't find his way into the Dortmund lineup. He was constantly cast aside season after season for the likes of Witsel, Delaney, Weigl and Can, despite his obvious quality on the ball. This left many fans wondering - when will Mo Dahoud be given a chance to shine for Dortmund? That question has now been answered, thanks in large part to current Dortmund boss Edin Terzic.

What would Ibrahima Konaté bring to Liverpool? – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, German Bundesliga, Player Analysis

According to multiple sources, RB Leipzig's Ibrahima Konaté is set to join Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, as the club look to end their search for a new centre-back. The French defender broke onto the scene with Leipzig at the start of the 2018-19 campaign, making 28 appearances in the Bundesliga as Die Roten Bullen finished third. Since then, Konaté's found minutes on the pitch difficult to come by, appearing in only 12 league fixtures in 2020-21 and 8 in 2019-20. In Liverpool's Round of 16 match-up against the Red Bulls in the UEFA Champions League this season, the Frenchman was absent for both fixtures. Upon hearing this you might be wondering...did they get the wrong man?